H LIDAY GIFT GUIDE
1 Rogue Paq Poppy Party Ashtray
Old Hollywood glamor and cannabis meet in the Rogue Paq Poppy Ashtray, a piece featuring five removable petals and pokers so a whole dinner party can ash in style. Price: $210 ROGUEPAQ.COM
2 Doble Reina Perla Negra Bubbler
Whimsy and function collide in this bubbler with spherical components decorated in a dark galaxy glaze. This unique smoking piece is a work of art that hits like a dream. Price: $225 DOBLEREINA.COM
3 Bong Candle Xmas Treez Candle
Fill the house with the seasonal scent of pine with the xmas treez holiday candle. Once the wick of this limited edition scent burns down, the forest green bong takes its next form: a functional smoking piece. Price: $75 BONGCANDLES.COM >>
Rachelle Gordon & Cara Wietstock
4 Chill Pipe
Get a smooth hit every time with the insulated Chill Pipe. The downstem keeps ice cold and can be mixed and matched in multiple styles Price: $99.99+ CHILL.STORE
5 House of Puff LES Lighter Set
Elevating the smoke session is as easy as adding hemp wick to the equation. Lose the lighter. Wrap the wick around these colorful ceramic holders for a flavorful hit that cuts way back on the butane. Grab this set in a variety of colors, all available for preorder Price: $32 HOUSEOFPUFF.COM
6 Bear Grinder
Ball-bearing technology and magnetic components make Bear Grinders the easiest way to prep your herb Price: $49.99+ BEARGRINDER.COM
7
NWTN Home Deco Gravity Bong
Elevate the stoner days of yore with the Home Deco Gravity Bong, a glass piece that delivers a fair share of smoke. When done, the etched glass sculpture fits in perfectly with home decor. Price: $88 NWTNHOME.COM
8 Cvault Stash Jar
Keep your flower fresh with stainless steel CVault containers, which house humidity packs right in the lid. Price: $18.99+ CVAULT.COM
9 Moose Labs MouthPeace
Remove resins, tars, and other harmful contaminants from your smoke with the Mouthpeace from Moose Labs. Give one to each person at the holiday party to stay germ-free! Price: $9.99+ MOOSELABS.US
10 Nifty Hit Lighter/Oneie Combo
Take your smoke to go with the sleek, portable, and refillable Nifty lighter, featuring a built-in magnetic one-hitter Price: $20 USENIFTY.COM
GIFTING WEED THIS YEAR?
by Rachelle Gordon
While weed products and their accessories are becoming more popular as presents, there are a few things to remember. From the potential receiver’s personality to brand quality, make sure to keep the following in mind while making that list and checking it twice.
READ THIS FIRST!
THE HOLIDAY SEASON HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED, BRINGING WITH IT TREASURED GIFT EXCHANGES.
CANNABIS FANS, THIS COULD MEAN A TOUCH OF GREEN UNDER THE TREE.
CONSIDER THE RECIPIENT
When shopping for cannabis gifts, consider how the plant could be helpful to the recipient. Do they have a physically demanding job with lots of aches and pains? A topical or pouch of bath salts could be the answer. Are they big hash heads? Maybe a high-end rig is perfect.
You also want to double-check if the recipient has any allergies or dietary restrictions. Offering indulgent milk chocolate to a vegan is not the move And if the person is ever subject to drug screenings, cannabis may be off the table entirely
Meet the Team
Rachelle Gordon Editor RACHELLE.GORDON@HEARST.COM
Rachelle Gordon is the Editor of GreenState. An award-winning journalist, she has covered the cannabis space since 2015. She has been featured in High Times, CannabisNow, and many other niche publications.
Cara Wietstock Senior Producer CARA.WIETSTOCK@HEARST.COM
Cara Wietstock clocks over a decade in the cannabis space as a long-time patient and journalist on the weed beat. She folds real life experience into topics like culinary offerings, parenting philosophies, and sustainability issues.
Ashley Sanderson Special Sections Designer
GreenState is a lifestyle content brand run by editors who operate independently of and are separate from Hearst newsrooms, but who adhere to the same standards as all properties in the Hearst Newspaper Group.
On the Cover: Composite illustration by Ashley Sanderson using stock images.
Advertising Information: 203.330.6238 301 Merritt 7, Floor 1, Norwalk, CT 06851
©2024 Hearst Connecticut Media Group
eDIBLe
DeLIGHTs
1 Weed Gummies Cookbook by Monica Lo Garden gummies are taking American culture by storm. These treats are easy to make at home with instructions from culinary cannabis artisan Monica Lo Price: $17.95 BIT.LY/MONICALOBOOK
2 Fable Curiosity Pack
Canna-curious consumers are interested in drinks, and Fable delivers. The Curiosity pack features all three of the brand’s artisan-crafted, award-winning flavors, each with 5 mg THC and 3 mg CBD. Best of all, they ship nationwide. Price: $34 DRINKFABLE.COM
3 Ardent FX
Prepare your bud for baking with the handy Ardent decarb machine, which takes all the guesswork out of at-home edibles
Price: $180+ ARDENTCANNABIS.COM
4 High-Not THC Recovery Shot
Nobody eats edibles to feel too high, but it is good to have High-Not on hand in the event of overconsumption. This THC recovery shot is perfect for every weed kit, making it a solid stocking stuffer Price: $9.99+ HIGHNOT.COM
HOLI GIFTGUIDE GIF GUIDE
5 Superior Molecular Sota Drops
Dose any drink or food with naturally-derived hemp THC using the resealable Sota Drops pouches. Price: $6.60+ SUPERIORMOLECULAR.COM
6 High Times: Cannabis Cocktails by Jamie Evans & Eva Kolenko
Impress guests with a non-alcoholic alternative, or unwind after a long day with help from The Herb Somm Jamie Evans. Shake a cannabis cocktail, steep high tea, or infuse a smoothie with these 60 seasonal recipes. Price: $28 BIT.LY/JAMIEEVANS
7 Ripple Powder Packets
Portable, discreet, and easy to use, Ripple packets take food and drink to a higher level. Price: $21.99+ TRYRIPPLE.COM
8 Magical Brands Magical Gummy Kit
Amateur edible artists will adore this all-in-one Magical Gummy Kit, which makes DIY gummies a breeze. Price: $149 MAGICALBUTTER.COM
1 Vapenprop Cart Holder
Keep your carts upright and organized with the 3D-printed Vapenprop, available in a variety of cool designs and colors. Price: $10 VAPENPROP.COM
2 Dip Devices New Little Dipper
Upgraded with custom digital temp settings, the new Little Dipper is an easy and accessible way to enjoy any type of extract. Price: $39.99 DIPDEVICES.COM
3 Blazy Susan Pink Cotton Buds
People are specific about their dab rigs, tools, and But all dabbers use cotton swabs to keep things clea built for the job. Blazy Susan Buds have two absorbent one round and another pointed. Price: $6+ BLAZYSUSAN.
clean and these are cotton ends, BLAZYSUSAN.COM
4 Pollinator Ice-o-Lator bags
Make concentrates at home using the original Ic a game-changing innovation from Dutch hash queen Mila $18+ POLLINATOR.NL
5 CCELL Fino Battery
With eight voltage settings and a sleek detac bank, the Fino 510 battery from CCELL is the epitome of Price: $48.99 STORE.CCELL.COM
6
Puffco Pivot
Longtime dab device leader Puffco changed again with the Pivot, a portable piece that utilizes 3D nology that, until now, was seen only in larger model PUFFCO.COM/PRODUCTS/PIVOT
7 PAX Era Go
Ice-o-Lator bags, Jansen. Price: detachable charging cartridge class. the game yet chamber techmodels. Price: $130 PAX released a battery. PAX Pod vapor
After years of leading the dry herb vape game, wicked good portable battery The Era Go increased from the original 200% and maintained the terpene-rich flavor of its predecessors Price: $20 PAX.COM
8 Dr. Dabber Switch²
The long-awaited second Switch has massively improved on the original Dr Dabber turned consumer feedback into one of the best-performing desktop electronic dab devices available now. Grab this oil rig for those who love analog dabs and want to test the world of e-rigs. Price: $420 DRDABBER.COM
9 MJ Arsenal Houdini
turns
Hitting the penjamin feels discreet until the vapor releases into a visible, sometimes scented cloud. Fix that with the Houdini, a portable carbon filter that turns any exhale into oxygen Price: $10 MJARSENAL.COM
SEE WHATPEOPLE HAVE TO SAYONGOOGLE...
“Iabsolutely love this place! ...Every time Iwalk in, the staff is ready to assist, and each one is very knowledgeable about cannabis.Theyalways teach me something newbeforeIleave.”
I’vevisited afew other dispensaries in the area thatoffer similarorclose products, but whatsets Shangri-Laapart is the staff.Theymakeyou feel genuinely wanted and valued. Unlikeother places whereI’vefelt ripped off or taken advantage of,here, every dime spent feels well worth it.
Thank you, Shangri-La, forcreating such a wonderful environment.I’ll definitely be coming back!”
CHOOSING CANNABIS DRINKS
foranyoccasion
CANNABIS DRINKS ARE ONE OF THE MOST QUICKLY GROWING PRODUCT FACTORS IN THE REGULATED CANNABIS INDUSTRY
by Cara Wietstock
Cannabis drinks are on the rise. The availability of weed seltzers or an uptick in support for a Cali sober lifestyle could be to thank. Or perhaps the way you can discreetly sip a weed bevvy at a social function alongside guests enjoying seltzers and cocktails played a role. No matter the origin, one thing cannot be denied, people like to drink their pot.
Now that cannabis-infused beverages are more accepted as an alternative to alcohol in legal states, do you know how to buy cannabis drinks for any occasion?
Here are some things to check when heading to the dispensary for a cannabis-infused drink. >>
THIS OBVIOUSLY SEEMS LIKE A GIVEN, BUT
ASK YOUR BUDTENDER ABOUT THE FLAVOR.
WHAT’S THE DOSE?
utm t importance to cannabis taking it to some soda bottles of
>> It is of the utmost impor understand the dose of a drink before buying one or an event. For example, som at the dispensary can contain up to 100 mg THC, which is more than enough for most people. If you’re buying the drink for a party, look for a product that contains 5 mg of THC or less. Micro-dosing is a great way to enjoy a weed drink at a party without getting overly high. This advice comes with the understanding that most people will want to sip on more than one drink per party, so fewer milligrams means more active socializing.
ABOUT FLAVOR.
WAIT… HOW MUCH SUGAR?
WHAT IS THE INPUT?
There are several different ways to get cannabis into your drink, the vehicle used to do so is called an input. Back in 2011, there was a California medical cannabis powdered drink mix company that just put bubble hash into drink powder. It was delicious, and, oh man, did it work But in the modern market, you’re apt to find weed drinks made with different inputs, but many use nanoemulsions. Without federal legalization, there is no FDA guidance on nanoemulsions, so companies that manufacture them aren’t required to share the ingredients Because of this, it’s not always easy to know what’s in your cannabis drinks. Keep track of the beverages you enjoy to start honing in on which brands your system agrees with. And more importantly, pay attention to the brands or inputs that you don’t like. At this point in cannabis regulation, that is the best way to find a product that works for you.
WHAT WILL IT TASTE LIKE?
Cannabis drinks don’t always match the flavor profile of your favorite mainstream soda. Beverage companies are newer to the space and still formulating their perfectly palatable recipes, so just check in with the budtender. Ask them if they’ve tried the drink and if they have any feedback on the flavor profile
hing that I learned the hard way is that many cannabis drinks contain lots of sugar. I’m talking upwards of 20 grams of sugar per bottle. When I drink too much sugar, I tend to get a headache. If I forget to check the label on my weed drink, I could have a migraine at a party—no fun. So, if it’s meaningful to you, check the sugar content before buying a six-pack of weed drinks at the dispensary.
WHERE CAN I DRINK IT?
Compliance should be a concern even when legality isn’t This is no problem if you’re planning to bring home a 100 mg soda to sip on while relaxing on the couch. But if you want to socialize at an event with a bubbly can of cannabis you should be aware of public consumption laws Most people are fine to enjoy cannabis at a private party at a residence, but if the event is in a venue, then check with the host and or event managers before consuming. Novel edibles can be fun to pick up for an event or game night in, and drinks are no exception. Cannabis drinks are becoming more readily available, and these tips may help steer you toward your ideal beverage experience.
HOLIDAY T GUIDE
Head & Heal cus Oil
r the friend who runs a million miles a e, cus Oil from Head & Heal will help them hit their HEADANDHEAL.COM
1 minute, Focus CBG stride. Price: $55 HE
2
to Synergy Sal
Ease those sore muscl -based Entouras. Price: $100
y + Jane Sunny
Have a loved one with aches and pains? e muscles with Synergy Salve from East Coast-based ENTOURUS.COM
3 vegan, gluten-free, of THC alongside the iends looking for a pla ceive Mary + Jane.
Pop a Sunny Melt for a shot of happiness. A and sugar-free tablet contains only one milligram naturally stress-reducing kanna extract. Friends plant-based mood booster could be thrilled to receive + Price: $15+ SHOPMARYANDJANE.COM
Ladygrass Soo e Aft Shave Cream
Ease angry skin with dy ass Sooth er full of nourishing CBD and CBG. Price: $55
5 Quim Smooth Operator
Smooth Oper or is a 100 percent lat e lubricant made for women, by women CBD tamins, and flowers to melt personal walls perienc + ITSQUIM.COM
FloraWorks TruCBN
Insomniacs will lo TruCBN om Flor orks, ing them drift into dreamland without ies. Price: $29.99+ CBNFORSLEEP.COM
7 Galyna DREAM Night Rejuvenating
4 eam After Shave lotion, chock LADYGRASS.COM plant-based, latex-safe works with oils, viand enhance an exFloraworks, helpthe next-day drowsnating Crème ter a few uses of The formulation inost the skin’s natural YNA.CO
Lustrous, glowing skin is imminent after cannabinoid-infused night crème from Galyna. cludes CBD and other natural ingredients to boost regeneration gusto each night. Price: $51 GALYNA.CO
Element Apothec Relief Wellness
8 ess Patch season using the om woman-owned Price: $6.49/each
Give the gift of wellness this holiday all-natural cannabis Wellness Patches from Element Apothec, also available in multipacks. ELEMENTAPOTHEC.COM
Grower Gear
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
1 Humboldt Seed
Beginner growers will love these easy-to-grow autoflower beans from Humboldt Seed Co., a top producer of cannabis genetics. Price: $45+ HUMBOLDTSEEDCOMPANY.COM
2 LeafWorks® Sex Tests
Female plants produce the buds we all know and love - make sure your plants are on the right track with sex tests from Leafworks. Price: $15+ LEAFWORKS.COM
3 Method 7 Evolution Growing Exposed FX2 in Emerald Tortoise
Light eye protection in the grow room doesn’t have to look silly. The Growing Exposed Evolution FX2 glasses are stylish and protect eyes from harsh grow lights, but get them while they’re hot. These limited edition frames are only available while supplies last. Price: $140 METHODSEVEN.COM
4 Cannabis Growers Handbook
From seed to smoke, learn everything you need to know about growing from the guru of ganja himself, Ed Rosenthal. Price: $44.95 EDROSENTHAL.COM
AC Infinity Jeweler’s Loupe Expert cannabis cultivator
5 upe
Exper Rosenthal recommends harvesting ripe flower by monitoring trichome growth using a jeweler’s loupe. This option from grow company AC Infinity offers precisely what any grower needs, including this crucial tool. Price: $12 ACINFINITY.COM
6 Boundless Robotics Annaboto
The ease of an all-in-one grow box combines with a sleek design in the Annaboto, a technological wonder that looks like a floor lamp. This hydroponic robot allows home cultivators to produce a few ounces in only six weeks. Annaboto is designed and manufactured in New England. Price: $995 ANNABOTO.COM
7 Vivosun Seedling Heat Mat
Many growers refer to their plants as their girls, the seedlings are their babies. Keep the babies warm and growing with a heated mat, a perfect gift for the cannabis cultivator (or hobby gardener) in anyone’s life. Price: $12 VIVOSUN.COM
8 Tangled Roots Seeds
Give the gift of legacy genetics straight from the farmers of the Emerald Triangle courtesy of Tangled Roots. Price: $75+ TANGLEDROOTSSTORE.COM
areL& accessorIes
1 Cherry World Cashmere Sweater
The classic Baja hoodie was once a staple of the local pothead. Now, it is a status symbol–at least this 100% cashmere neutral-toned version from rising cannabis-influenced fashion brand Cherry World is. Price: $1,195 CHERRYWORLDSHOP.COM
2 Jungmaven Short-sleeve Raglan Fleece Sweatshirt
As an originator of hemp fashion, Jungmaven has eco-conscious blends locked in. The Short-sleeved Raglan Fleece sweatshirt is 55% hemp and 45% raglan cotton fleece, a buttery-soft combination often found only in vintage pieces. Price: $86 JUNGMAVEN.COM
3 Pink Planes Stash Bag Pillowcases
Keep guests guessing with a 100% cotton throw pillow that looks like a tagged and bagged pound of cannabis flower. Price: $20 PINKPLANES.COM
4 HW Cannabis Co. & Cartography
Stoner Nameplate Necklace
Being a cannabis connoisseur is no longer a negative. Wear your Stoner status proudly with this sterling silver nameplate collaboration from Housing Works Cannabis Co and Cartography. Price: $155 HWCANNABIS.CO
5 Revelry Supply Rolling Kit
Rolling up a joint on the go requires a few tools. The Revelry Rolling Kit offers them all in one smell-proof kit designed for bud tokers. Price: $60 REVELRYSUPPLY.COM >>
REMEMBER
THE RULES
6
White Widow Collection
Showcase your love for the plant with highfashion apparel and accessories in tons of prints from woman-owned brand Smoke Sho Price: $55+ SMOKESHOWCO.COM/COLLECTIONS
7
Weed: Smoke It, Eat It, Grow It, Love It
Written by veteran cannabis journalist Ellen land, this homage to all things weed is a must-have any plant fan. Price: $14.99 BIT.LY/ELLENHOLLAND
8 High on Plants Jewelry
Whimsical and charming, jewelry from High Plants lets you express yourself with elegance class. Price: $35+ HIGHONPLANTS.CO
Photos contributed.
While cannabis is legal in 38 states, rules around gifting vary. Always make sure to research the regulations in your city and state before deciding to wrap those buds. And remember, some people may not be allowed to consume cannabis, whether it’s due to their profession or other legal reasons. If you have reason to believe the potential recipient may not be able to possess the plant, strike it from the list.
SELECT YOUR GIFTS CAREFULLY
Once you have a possible gift in mind, it’s time to go shopping. But with so many products on dispensary shelves, how do you know what’s legit?
Discerning cannabis consumers know to check the label to get pertinent information, including where the product was sourced, what type of manufacturing process was used, and the potency Don’t be afraid to ask for a certificate of analysis (COA), a document highlighting lab testing results. If a retailer or brand can’t provide one, that’s a red flag. The justice-minded opt to support local, women, and minority-
owned businesses. Ask the dispensary staff if they have any social equity or legacy brands on the shelves. Some companies also donate a portion of sales to non-profits—it’s the gift that keeps on giving!
ADD A SIDE OF EDUCATION
Gifting cannabis is a lovely gesture, but it’s important that the recipient is empowered to partake responsibly. This is especially crucial for newcomers to the scene. You certainly don’t want Grandma to overdo it on edibles at your family holiday affair
If a retailer has any brochures they can add to your bag, make sure to toss them in. No consumer education on-site? Consider printing an article or two outlining how cannabis products are used, dosing guidelines, or device FAQs. Equip your loved one with the tools they need to succeed with weed!
Wrapping cannabis and putting it under the tree is becoming more popular, but it needs to be done right. Follow the tips above, add a touch of a education, and your holidays could be brilliantly green.
& READ THE ROOM!
ople’s personal feelings about cannabis vary widely Some may not feel open about their penchant for pot. Consider this sensitivity when giving someone a weed-centric product, especially if you’re at a family gathering. ur cousin may be stoked to have that new designer pipe, but they may want the entire clan to know about it.
